Groundbreaking for new fire stationRussellville firefighters, employees of Van Horn Construction Inc. and local dignitaries performed the groundbreaking for the future Central Fire Station behind the well-known "500 Building" on North El Paso Avenue Monday morning. The Russellville City Council voted 5-3 during its regular May meeting to accept the construction bid, which totaled nearly $6.5 million. THE COURIER / Joshua Mashon

Fundraiser for CMNTHE COURIER / Jenn Terrell Miss UCA Ashton Purtle is a 20-year-old native of Russellville who is preparing to compete in the Miss Arkansas Pageant in July. Purtle is hosting a Princess Party fundraiser from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Train Depot in downtown Russellville. The cost of the event is $25 per child ages 3 and up. All proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network. Participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite princess....

Downtown Rotary shows appreciationTHE COURIER / Jenn Terrell The Russellville Downtown Rotary Club held its fifth annual Public Service Appreciation Cookout on Friday outside the Downtown Train Depot. "This is just a small token of appreciation for Russellville's public servants," Ed Stingley, a representative of the club, said.

New Central Fire Station in Russellville breaks groundRussellville Fire Fighters, employees with Van Horn Construction Inc. and local dignitaries performed the official groundbreaking for the future new Central Fire Station behind the well known "500 Building" on North El Paso Avenue Monday morning. The Russellville City Council voted 5-3 during its regular May meeting to accept the construction bid of the new fire station that totaled nearly $6.5M.

Kids gain appreciation at 2016 Youth AcademyParticipants in the Russellville Police Department's 2016 Youth Academy gained a new appreciation and understanding for emergency workers last week. Around 30 kids between the ages of 10 and 12 participated in the academy, which covered four days of learning. Students learned about the Russellville Police Department on the first day, followed by a day with Pope County EMS and Pope County 911 Dispatch. The next day was spent with state park off...

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BY TRAVIS SIMPSON
simpson@couriernews.comThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

County officials holding off on area burn bansCounty judges in the Arkansas River Valley are watching the weather and keeping an eye on hot conditions as the days draw closer to the Fourth of July Independence holiday weekend. Pope County Judge Jim Ed Gibson and Yell County Judge Mark Thone said conditions in their counties were so far, so good, and no burn bans were necessary. "However, if temperatures stay around 100 degrees for the next week, that could change," Gibson pointed out. "An...

Finally: SW Atkins Water customers get reimbursedATKINS -- Customers of the former Southwest Atkins Water Users Association found out how much they would be reimbursed during a recent Pope County Circuit Court ruling. Debbie Duvall, a former water district customer, said a recent ruling established that people who had been customers for two years as of 2013 were due $510. Water customers for 1-2 years were due $255, and customers who were on the system for less than one year were due $127.50...

Man leads police on 100 mph chaseJuan F. Lara, 47, was arrested on Thursday after leading Arkansas State Police on a chase at speeds in excess of 100 mph. According to a report provided by Arkansas State Police, an officer attempted a stop after a black Nissan Titan traveling on Interstate 40 came back as stolen out of Pope County. When the officer initiated the stop, the suspect exited the interstate and turned south on State Highway 7. The vehicle then turned west on Lake F...

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BY TRAVIS SIMPSON
simpson@couriernews.comThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Police search for robbery suspectCLARKSVILLE -- The Clarksville Police Department (CPD) is investigating an armed robbery that took place Wednesday morning on West Main Street. According to CPD Public Information Officer Larry Boggs, authorities are searching for a suspect in the 1:15 a.m. Wednesday robbery that took place at Exxon Tiger Mart at 2745 W. Main St. The suspect, who robbed the convenience store at gunpoint and left on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, was...

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BY SEAN INGRAM
sean@couriernews.comThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Not your typical dadA typical day in Roger Freeman's house includes lots of children and lots of love. Roger is the father of 11 children -- four biological and seven adopted. "There is never a dull moment," Roger said. "That's for sure." Roger and his wife, Alesia, had four children of their own but they didn't want to stop there. "We always talked about adoption," Roger said. "It was always in the mix. "As our kids started getting a little older we thought,'wel...

Bond hearingsThe following individual appeared in felony bond hearings with District Judge Don Bourne on Friday inside the Pope County Detention Center. His name, age, anticipated charge and bond amount are listed. He will appear in Pope County Circuit Court at a later date. n Jessie J. Howard, 37, possession of a controlled substance -- $5,000. Compiled by Courier staff

Kitchen service has saved county $60-$70KPope County Sheriff Shane Jones and his staff have searched for ways to upgrade the Pope County Detention Center (PCDC), reduce expenses and save the county money since they he was elected. After meetings by a committee of the Pope County Quorum Court, justices of the peace voted to allow Jones to hire a company from Oklahoma to take over medical service to the inmates at the PCDC. Not only did it mean a full-time nurse on the premises, it als...

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BY SEAN INGRAM
sean@couriernews.comThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Dardanelle employs severalDARDANELLE — The Dardanelle School Board met Monday to approve bids and employ personnel for the 2016-17 school year. Brandon Carter was appointed to vice-president of the board of education to replace Jody Sigle who resigned effective May 23. Jimmy Witt has replaced Sigle as a board member. The board employed the following personnel: Wendy Chancellor, primary instructor; Ashley Pledger, primary instructor; Abbey Stokes, middle school instruct...

New pet tags now available in OlaOLA — The Ola City Council met Monday to discuss pet tags, a new fire truck, a fun park project and street paving project. According to Brenda Swicegood, recorder, the new city pet tags for the year are now available. All pets are required to be tagged and to renew tags each year. They are available for purchase at City Hall for $5 per tag. Proof of current vaccinations is required before a tag will be issued. Swicegood said one benefit of the...

#todayAlumni and friends of the Arkansas Tech University recreation and park administration degree program will gather in Russellville today and Saturday to celebrate 50 years of parks and rec at ATU. A list of events is below. For more information, contact Dr. Cathi McMahan, head of the ATU Department of Parks, Recreation and Hospitality Administration and associate professor of recreation and park administration, at (479) 968-0385 or cmcmahan@atu....

Bond hearings for June 15, 2016The following individuals appeared in felony bond hearings on Wednesday in front of District Judge Don Bourne inside the Pope County Detention Center. Their names, ages, bond amounts and anticipated charges are listed. They will appear in Pope County Circuit Court at a later date. Gelia M. Ruple, 50, theft of property -- $10,000. Robert S. Cline, 23, possession of a controlled substance -- $5,000. Joseph C. Blizard, 27, third degree domestic b...

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BY TRAVIS SIMPSON
simpson@couriernews.comThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Free yoga for Summer SolsticeYoga is becoming a popular way to relax and exercise across the Arkansas River Valley. With little needed to get started, it can be a cheap and easy way to get in shape. According to Yoga Journal, 20.4 million people across America practice yoga. The centuries-old discipline is making it's way across the Arkansas River Valley on Monday in more than just yoga studios. The day will be filled with free yoga classes for all levels from sun up to s...

ARV fireworks guideMany Arkansas River Valley residents know there are rules in place regarding fireworks, but many may not know what they are. Below is a guide to city ordinances in Pope and Yell counties. Anytime a burn ban is enforced the discharge of fireworks is prohibited. Russellville People may shoot fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 2-5. Dardanelle Within city limits, people are only allowed to shoot fireworks in Veterans Memorial Park. The allowed...